Productive and economic performance of heifers grazing elephant-grass pastures under different production systems were evaluated. Twenty-two Holstein-Zebu heifers, 17-month-old and averaging 215kg of live weight, were used. The animals were managed on elephant-grass pastures under three production systems: PS1 - without supplementation; PS2 - supplemented with concentrate feeds; and PS3 - supplemented with Stylosanthes guianensis, cv. Mineirão pasture. Twelve heifers were used as testers and 10 heifers were used as "put-and-take". The average daily gains were 429±18g, 624±23g and 535±8g for animals on PS1, PS2 and PS3, respectively. The total daily gains per hectare were 2.38, 3.46 and 1.43kg, for animals on PS1, PS2 and PS3, respectively. The calculated internal rates of return were 29.6%, 30.1% and 10.5% for PS1, PS2 and PS3, respectively. The sale price of heifers had the largest impact on the economic performance of all production systems.
internal rate of return; net present value; rotational grazing; Stylosanthes; supplementation; weight gain
